Belarus U21 - Iceland U21
This is the first game of European championship for players under 21 age. Belarus had decent results in qualifying group (but wouldn't have come here without it, anyway), but real shock they presented in a play-off game against Italy. First defeat 0-2 away, then sensational 3-0 home win.
Iceland is tipped to be the biggest surprise on the tournament. They have nine players from A team, including excellent Gylfi Sigurdsson (ex Reading, today Hoffenheim). They made some very impressive results lately, defeating Germany in group 4-1 at home and in last match (friendly) a win over England 2-1 (away).
In the first game, a draw is always possible whichever teams play. So, I’m taking -0.25 (in case of a draw, half stake is back). C’mon Iceland!
Odd: 1.98 188bet
Stake: 7/10
pi
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Norway will try to qualify for a final countdown after ten years (last time they were on Euro 2000). They have been facing a lots of problems again, despite the not so strong group where they were considered as the second strongest team (behind the Dutch). After a weak start and draws with Iceland (2-2 at home) and Scotland (0-0 on the road) and home defeat vs. Netherlands (0-1), coach Hareide announced his resignation. His replacement, Egil Olsen, brought some improvements. In his first game on the national team bench, Norway surprisingly defeated Germany (1-0 away) in a friendly. In group, draw in Macedonia (0-0) and predictable defeat in Netherlands (0-2). In last round Norway trashed Scotland at home (4-0) and it was a big boost for a team morale. They’re now again in the race for the 2nd place, but have to make two wins (in last round will host FYR Macedonia). Coach Olsen had some injury worries, Iverssen, Skjelbred and Wisnes had to leave national team because the injuries, but they’re more like a fringe players and best eleven will appear tonight. Carew has been ill for a while, but he’ll play.
